NON-VIOLENT CAMPAIGN FOR SELF-DETERMINATION: THE IPOB AND THE IGBO AGENDA

Abstract

The non-inclusive nature of governance in Nigeria and its conscientious and intentional marginalization to the Igbo tribe/extraction is of great concern to the national polity. Moreover, this has led to the exclusion of the Easterners from the mainstream of Nigerian politics and life, and has logically fanned into flame their spirit of self-determination through movements like the MASSOB and IPOB. This paper aims to show how injustice meted to the Igbo extraction is the main root of the Easterners’ nonviolent campaigns for self-determination. Thus using the analytic method, this paper demonstrates how injustice against the Easterners encourages the non-violent campaigns for self-determination amongst the people. The scope of this research studies the justification for self-determination, Nigeria's amalgamation theory, IPOB agitations, and non-violent agitations for self-determination. This study establishes that there has been no plans to reintegrate the Igbos (Easterners) into the mainstream of Nigerian politics and life but to relegate them as second class citizens. The people have been maliciously abandoned and excluded from being part of major players in decision making whereas their resources are exploited, hence giving rise to different forms of agitations. The quest for self-determination as the major agenda of the IPOB/Easterners is justified since Nigerian governance has continued to promote injustice and renege on its promises for inclusive governance. In conclusion, non-violent campaigns is an undeniable catalyst to the success of the quest for self-determination.